001Rner Township School Board regular business meeting Tuesday, May 26th. Um, it's hard to believe we are already at the next to last meeting of the school year. Um, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. >> Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Um the board met in executive session on 514 and um no 518 and 526 to discuss personnel matters. Next up are a report from our student rep Katie. Thank you. Welcome. Hi. Good evening Rner School Board and community. I feel like it's been so long, probably because May has been super packed at the high school. To start off the month, we celebrated the incredible cafeteria team for school
002lunch hero day. Rner High School seriously couldn't function without the staff in the cafeteria, and they always go above and beyond to nourish our students. On the same day, our seniors celebrated National College Decision Day. Students were encouraged to wear shirts that showed their future plans and to take pictures to capture such a bittersweet day. It's so crazy to think that the seniors time at the high school is coming to a close so soon. In fact, finals start for seniors very soon and they'll be walking the stage in just a matter of days. I can't even think about that yet. Anyways, back to Maze News. Our highQ team showed off their skills and made Rner very proud when they went to the PA state academic competition and made all the way to the semi-finals. Color
003guard also took their annual trip uh to compete in Wildwood. The Creatives Club hosted a night of music where original songs, covers, saxophone, saxophone music, and even live DJ sets were played and performed. Our spring coral concert and orchestra concert also happened in May, which was awesome. Many Latin taken students were honored at the awards banquet of the Philadelphia Classical Society. Students competed at the 87th annual Latin Week competitions where participants made Brner very proud. In sports news, we celebrated incredible wins, honors, and many accomplishments. And of course, a lot of senior nights. We hosted spring spring signing day um where four student athlete seniors were commemorated. Recently, Rner teacher, Mr. Ruby, won the very well-deserved 2026 Rner Educational Foundation Educator Impact Award, which is given once a year to a teacher whose immense dedication
004and passion continues to impact students. This month we also officially announced our validictorian and salad saludiatoran. Um uh which is awesome and amazing obviously. Uh and finally our seniors had a very fun end of May I would say of course because it was senior prom. The class of 2026 celebrated together at the Franklin Institute and danced the night away all the way back to the high school for the infamous post prom. The hard work of the volunteers really showed off when our seniors were surprised back at school with blowup floats in the gym, a mechanical bowl, games, glitter tattoos, food, and of course the very sentimental memory wall which shows uh the senior class throughout the years at Radner. And that's all. Wow. I told you all we are very busy bees over at the
005high school, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I will see you all shortly for June's meeting, my very last appearance as the student representative of the high school. Thank you so much for listening and for your time. >> Thank you, Katie. Just want to make a quick correction to the record. The executive session was 519, not 518. And I also want to note that Miss Rosen Bloom is joining us virtually. So next um is a report from the student u from the superintendent, Dr. Bachelor. >> Good evening. I have just a a quick report. Uh just want to share first off um some of our our donations is that that we wait for that screen to come up, but we have on our agenda tonight uh a donation from Special Olympics towards our
006our botchi program. So, we're very appreciative of uh uh Special Olympics for helping support our our botchi program and for also our high school uh teachers uh parents and uh you know athletic department that has you know supported this program. It's really been an exciting addition to our athletic program. I also want to give congratulations to uh Missy Klouse for uh her assistant director of business administration certification with the PA certified school of business administrators. Uh this is uh work that Missy doesn't need to do, but Missy takes the time uh Mr. appalling as well uh to obtain this additional certification and we're just uh appreciative that she takes the time to do that and that for all she does and want to just congratulate her on that certification. Also want to congratulate one of
007our high school teachers uh Aaron Kim. Uh he was uh for content for kids winner for the Joan Breler uh set in Philadelphia the 2026 greedwriting competition. Uh and it's just really exciting to see one of our teachers uh who does a wonderful job with our students is also out there uh competing writing um screenwriting and and we're just really happy for him uh and and that well-deserved honor. So congratulations Aaron. And then postp prompt Katie already mentioned it but uh I want to and Dr. Mack is here. I want to first off thank Dr. Mack and and the the the class adviserss the the administration for putting together uh what was a phenomenal prom. I want to acknowledge the students. Uh it was really a a wonderful prom. Um I had a chance to
008greet many of the students down there at the Franklin Institute. Uh and then coming over to postp prom was just unbelievable. Every year our parents seem to um you know outdo themselves. Uh our kids had a wonderful time, the students had a wonderful time uh at that function. I just want to thank so many in our community who make that prom happen. Uh it was also a really nice acknowledgement when I had on Sunday uh parents reaching out to me to say how supportive our custodial and our security staff with making this event happen. Uh and of course again the high school administration for uh being there and I don't think they sleep all weekend long at all. Uh but for everything everyone does um including our parents who I don't think sleep all weekend
009to make that happen. Uh but I heard so many wonderful things from so many of our students about the program. And then uh commencement we have uh graduation it is around the corner June 10th at 4 p.m. Uh we are really excited. Uh this is truly a culmination kindergarten uh through 12th grade uh for here in Rner. So we're excited for it is a little bit I think as Katie talked about bittersweet. It's always a little bittersweet to see a group of students uh who are, you know, leaving us, but we're always excited for what their future holds. We also had an opportunity today to welcome our eighth graders over to the high school. So, uh that transition is beginning as well and our element our elementary fifth graders will be moving on to the
010middle school. So, it is a time of transition as we wrap up the school year as well. And then as Katie mentioned, there are so many upcoming events, a lot of things that are just going to be squeezed into a short amount of time uh as we as we roll through the end of the school year. Uh and that concludes my remarks. I'm just happy in the basketball game pictures there that I was left out. So, thank you for that. >> Next, we have a recognition 501. Rner High School juniors earn first class dis designations in the NCTTE achievement awards in writing. Miss Girtton, >> thank you. Uh James and Garren, come on up. So nice to have you guys. Come on up. Come on. Uh, congratulations to James uh, Lon and Garen Jerger for
011being selected for a 2026 achievement award in writing given by the National Council of Teachers of English. James and Garren earned the first class, the highest honor designation and are two of only 10 first class honores from Pennsylvania and the only two from Delaware County. This is the second year in a row and third year in four that multiple RHS juniors have earned the highest award in the contest. The NCT Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based writing program established in 1957 to encourage high school students to write and to recognize some of the best student writers in the nation. Well done. Sophomores and juniors may participate, pardon me, schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, Canada, and American schools abroad are eligible to nominate students for writing the writing program.
012This year, schools in the United States nominated 689 students from 38 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC. Two to three independent judges evaluated each submission holistically on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. The National Council of Teachers of English is the nation's most comprehensive literacy organization, supporting more than 25,000 teachers across the prek to college spectrum since 1911. The superintendent along with the board and the Rner community congratulates these students, their parents and teachers on their outstanding accompl accomplishment. Congratulations, James and Galen. We're proud of you. There you go, honey. Here you go. Let me take them out. There you go. >> That one's for me. >> Forgive me. There you go. >> Congratulations. That's impressive. I you know I'd like to say I'd love if we could we could have
013your work shared with us. I don't know we would like if someone could forward I think the all the board would appreciate that. So thank you. Um next up is public comment. As per policy 006 the board provides an opportunity at each regular business meeting for eligible participants to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be in front of the board. Public comment. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Audrey Greenberg, Radner resident, although you probably know that by now. We ask our children to review their math tests, to look for errors that they've made, correct their answers so they can learn from their mistakes. We ask them to look so that they can grow. But as educators, administrators, and board members, the district has not done the same. Radner was
014given a test, a very serious one, and Rner failed. The test was whether Rner could tell the truth, protect students, investigate fairly, communicate honestly, and lead in a moment when technology has created a new form of sexual harassment and genderbased harm. And the most troubling part is not only that Rner failed the first time, it's that Rner has not learned. As recently as last Friday, the district was still using the same communication playbook. In a public statement, the district again focused on off-campus conduct, police constraints, minors, phone policies, app companies, and the fact that no one had been able to see the images. But that is exactly the problem. The district keeps explaining why this was difficult instead of acknowledging what it got wrong. It still has not corrected the public record. It still has
015not explained why a Title 9 investigation was never launched into student on student sexual harassment and a hostile environment affecting girls in the school community. And it still has not answered the central question. When targeted sexualized AI abuse of girls enters the school community and affects students ability to feel safe, what does Radner believe its duty is? Not the police department's duty, not the app company's duty, Radner's duty. Let me contrast that with a series of school response can sound like. On February 2024, Beverly Hills Unified School District said, "We want to make it unequivocally clear that this behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our school community. Although we are aware of similar situations occurring all over the nation, we must act now. This behavior rises to a level that requires
016the entire community to work in partnership and ensure it stops immediately. The district also encouraged anyone with information to come forward. That is what clarity sounds like. That was more than a year ago. Rner had the benefit of time examples for as close as Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Rner had warning. Rner had a chance to learn. But instead of leading, the district minimized and relied on distinctions between off-campus and on-ampus behavior, even when the harm clearly entered the school environment. When adults minimize sexual abuse with sanitized language, students learn from that. When adults treat targeted humiliation as a public relations issue instead of student safety issue, students learn from that, too. And what they learn is dangerous. They learn that girls are expected to absorb humiliation. They learned that accountability becomes weaker when harm is digital, complicated,
017and or embarrassing for adults to address. They learned that if people hide fast enough, the truth may not matter. That is not protection. That is permission. And the harm is real. Digitalized sexualized violence is not harmless because no one was touched. Being depicted in a non-conentualized sexualized image can be traumatic and deeply damaging. This was not only a technology issue. This was not only an off-campus issue. This was a hostile environment issue. This was a student on student sexual harassment. What is especially painful here is that there was a moment for re leadership. Rner could have said clearly that technology has changed, but our obligations have not. Instead, the district demonstrated how not to respond. I'm especially horrified when looking around this room at the percentage of women that are on this board. You have
018six women sitting here in front of me. twothirds of this board is female. You should understand what hostile environments do to girls. You should understand that sexual harassment is really just one isolated instrument. Lawyers have a role as we can see timing. The board is not here to protect the administration. The board is here to protect students. So, let's be specific about what learning from mistakes requires. Correct the public record. Explain why Title 9 was not launched. Stop pretending future AI education is at accountability. The communic session is not accountability. Accountability means telling the truth about what happened, what the district got wrong, and how it will ensure it won't happen again. We tell students that mistakes are only useful if you learn from them. It is time for the board and this administration to
019do the same. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next up, we have the report from board committees. >> Do we have any recorded comments? Oh, do we have any recorded comment? Oh, yes. Sorry. Thank you. Melissa G, New Town Square. Shared regarding indoor air quality and dust mitigation during the icing construction project while students and staff continue occupying the current building. We now understand the current building can only support MV 10 filtration because of the limitations of the existing H system. But MV 10 filtration is not designed to fully capture the finer particulates associated with major construction and excavation. which to me only further supports the need to look at other ways to help improve filtration and air quality during construction including portable headration and errors. I truly hope air quality and student and staff
020health during construction are considered a real priority as this project moves forward. I also believe air quality monitoring should be as continuous and transparent as possible. Transitions can vary significantly depending on construction activity, weather, and wind direction. Testing on lighter construction days may not fully reflect what students and staff experience over such a long project. At the last meeting, there was discussion about winter, but conditions can change daytoday. is also an older open layout school with interior courtyards and some classrooms without doors. So, it seems possible that outdoor dust and particulates may move more easily through occupied areas of the building than they would in a more modern enclosed school. For students and staff dealing with allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities, increased dust and poor air quality can affect comfort, concentration, and attendance during the
021school day. It seems better to proactively plan and budget for these concerns now rather than wait until there are increased complaints from parents, students, or staff, and then have to scramble to address the issues later. If the board is considering spending additional money tonight on documentation services related to the construction project, I hope protecting student and staff help during construction is prioritized just as strongly as documenting the project itself. I also will RNER Township School District strive to be leader in how occupied school construction projects are handled by going beyond minimum required standards when it comes to proactive air quality protections for student and staff. Thank you for your time tonight. Any others? Now we can move on to the board committee reports. 701 curriculum committee. Miss Girtton. >> Uh thank you. Uh the curriculum
022committee met on May 5th at 5:00 in the admin building. We reviewed um for approval a new strength and conditioning club as well as um overnight student trips. The committee approved book adoptions and two scholarship awards. We heard presentations from the administration on um a portrait of graduate initiative as well as updates on the district's IDS steels program as well as an update on new devices for um uh the next year's school district school year uh for students. Our next curriculum meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd uh again at 5:00 in the admin building. >> Thank you, Miss Girtton. 702 facilities committee, Miss Rosenble. Miss Rosenlum, are you there? Okay, I'm going to move on. And then Oh, >> there we go. >> Can you hear me? >> I can hear you now. We
023can hear you now. Thanks. >> Okay. Uh, we discussed documentation services for Ethan, which is to be approved tonight. Set to approve tonight. We were informed of two credits and change orders for RHS's accessibility and wellness project. We discussed the approval process for the Ethan Elementary construction project. And lastly, we discussed the replacement of the rug in the RHS auditorium. Our next facilities committee meeting is tenatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. >> Thank you, Miss Rosenblum. 703 Finance Committee, Miss Solomon. Thank you. The finance committee met on May 12th at 5:00 pm. Um we had a jam-packed agenda because we do not have a meeting in June. Uh several contracts came through committee. Um a contract with American Capital Finance. uh contract, well, I guess a purchase agreement for um visual sound
024to upgrade some of the um the vision, sorry, the um audio in the high school cafeteria, but also to upgrade some other facilities, a contract with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, and the reappoint of Missy Klouse, Melissa Klaus as our our uh treasurer and a contract to um renew with our solicitor for a three-year term. Then we moved into the action items. Um, we discussed the Ethan Elementary School financing parameters and we had a interesting discussion of maybe altering when we go out for the bonds and I believe we're going to discuss that later in this meeting. Uh, let's see. Next on our agenda was the voting delegation to the PSBA assembly. Um then we moved into the um changes in the school meal prices for next year. We um received a update on confirmation
025of the purchasing consortiums that we're involved in. Uh confirmation of our depositories. Um the list of six places and the accounts that we hold. Uh the approval of the summer business office transactions, approval of our public meeting schedule for 2627. Uh let's see. Oh uh then the discussion of the deputy tax collector agreement was finalized. the approval of property tax rent rebate resolution. And lastly, and most importantly, we discussed our general fund budget for next year, which all of this appears on the agenda tonight. We are putting forth or the administration is recommending a 3.36% increase over the 202526 budget. And um I believe we're also going to discuss that in detail and how much that will basically cost each taxpayer. Um and again we will not have a meeting in June. And so our
026next meeting will be I don't know in August perhaps. Thank you. >> Can can I add a few comments here? Um, so unfortunately I was not able to make last month's finance committee. Um, but just to give people a little bit of context. So about two months ago, >> Mr. Lee, do would you mind waiting until we do the priority action item action item? >> That's why I didn't go into detail either. >> Okay. Next up, 704 policy committee. >> Miss Laauo. >> Thank you. So the policy committee met on May 5th. Uh the vast majority of our time was devoted to a discussion item uh over the topic that the in-person public commenter referenced tonight, which I really appreciate her comments. Um, so the administration delivered an update on their review of the accompanying
027administrative regulations to the policies that we as a committee and a full board had over the past several months considered and reviewed and revised in light of the generative AI incident referenced by the public commenter. Um, and I thought this was an important first step by our administration. Um, I was heartened to hear that it's just the first step and that their review and the kind of post-mortem that I think the commenter was um, requesting is underway and continuing. So, um, just speaking as the policy committee chair, I think we as a school district are committed to learning from our mistakes and to learning from this incident and hopefully improving. I'm the first one to admit that policy formal policy changes alone are not enough. I know we've gone through that process. I know that
028um you know members of the community appreciated that undertaking um but also recognized its limitations which is why even though the administration um the admin the accompanying administrative regulations are not typically the purview of the policy committee or of the full board. That's why we requested a formal presentation from the administration and um an update as to where they were because a lot of the community feedback that we had received more properly fell in that realm. They were pertaining to rather than kind of broad policy more detailed practices and procedures that govern how we actually implement policy in day-to-day operations. And I know a lot of the feedback was trained on that. So, um, as I referenced, that was just the beginning. We hope to continue that review over the summer. The administration indicated that
029they were open to perhaps has even begun to engage with outside consultants to gain outside perspectives, additional perspectives, more um you know perspectives rooted in much more expertise than anyone in our district could bring at this point on this matter. So I was heartened to hear that. And then as vice chair of the curriculum committee, I know that um in our upcoming meetings, it will be our turn to grapple with this and for us to consider what we can do to update um things like our student conduct handbooks, right? Our um our our our student handbooks as it pertains to student conduct and discipline. So, I look forward to our committee um embracing that project, approaching it with the same kind of open-mindedness, um willingness to improve, will like self-awareness, willingness to take a good
030hard look at ourselves to see where we can do better, um and where we can serve our community in this way because I absolutely think we owe it to ourselves, our students, to our entire district to do better the next time. And you know, I appreciate everything we've done up until this point to make sure that we do better next time, but I understand it's not going to be an overnight project. We've already spent several months on it. We're going to continue to spend more time on it, and I'm committed to that. So, um, you know, I just want to say our May 5th meeting was just one step along the way, but, um, for those of you, uh, you know, in the public who are paying attention, listening to this, um, just know that,
031you know, that's not the end of it and we're going to continue to make sure we do the proper work to address this. That being said, onto more routine items. Um, I will not read every item that's on the agenda for this full board to approve, but you will see that there are a host of second reads and first reads for your approval tonight. They are pretty much self-explanatory, but I welcome any questions if you have any um during the discussion period of this meeting. Thank you. >> And if I may add comments now. >> No, no, not at all. >> No, we're >> because it's not an action item. That's the reason why I'm saying this. So we >> this section of the meeting is just supposed to be a summary of what happened
032in committees for people who didn't get a chance to view them. It's not supposed to be a deliberation. I mean that's my personal >> Yeah. So, it wasn't meant to be deliberation, but it did come up in committee in that um, you know, two of our random residents did put on, you know, a really great conference and it was emotionally impactful and useful and I hope that we as a district take a lot of that information back with us and learn from that because I think, you know, the governor and the state level, you know, there's a lot of information out there and I think we should be able to to leverage a lot of that. >> Thank you, Mr. Lee. Um, next is priority discussion action item 801, the parameters resolution for remaining for
033remaining Ethan Elementary School debt. The recommended action is that the board approves the parameter resolution to authorize the administration and financial advisor to proceed with the remaining borrowing associated with the new Ethan Elementary School construction project maximum of 50 million. Do I have a motion? So moved >> And second. Um, who am I turning this over to? >> Mr. Paulie. Thank you. >> Turn to Mr. Pauling. >> Hi. Good evening. Um, so we put this on priority action to have a conversation because, um, as you know, we're we've broken ground on the new elementary school. We've borrowed about $30 million towards the project and at this point we're committed to doing the project and we have to borrow the rest of the the money uh over the next two to three years until we complete
034the project. Um so what we wanted to do tonight based on conversations and discussions um that Mr. clearly referenced that we had in our um finance committee meetings. Um we were looking to do a borrowing in calendar year 2027 um for a portion of the project. We normally base the the timing and the amount of those borrowings based on cash flow needs um of the project um and and where we stand with that. When we looked at this and through conversations in the finance committee, we had uh a good discussion about um knowing that we need to borrow about $43 million in cash proceeds for the project. We wanted to bring forth tonight a parameters resolution which would give us the authority to move forward at the opportune time to borrow the remaining funds for
035the project rather than coming back prior to each borrowing um to have that resolution passed. So, um that's what's on the agenda to present this evening um as part of uh that portion of the uh debt conversation. The second part that we wanted to provide an opportunity for the board to to give us feedback on was our initial plan for this borrowing in calendar year 2026 was to borrow 10 another $10 million as a bank qualified um borrowing which gives us an an advantage on um uh when we can uh call the money should there be a refunding opportunity. Um but when we looked at that based on uh conversations within the committee and where the market's kind of standing right now and you know trying to crystal ball where things may be in 6
036months to a year when we borrow additional proceeds. Um we looked at this again and um what we're we're asking for feedback on is our our plan is shifted to uh borrow $25 million this calendar year. That would give us about $18 million remaining on the borrowing. we could split that into potential two bank qualified borrowings in calendar year 27 and then 28 near the end of the project. So, um, because the market conditions right now are within the parameters of what we budgeted. They were based into our assumptions, you know, we it's hard for us again to crystal ball where things are going to be at, but we feel that there's a comfort level right now. And I would have more comfort borrowing more money now uh when we're within our budgetary parameters versus
037hedging our bet and market rates go up. And so um so that's the second part of the conversation for this evening that we wanted to solicit feedback. So um part of the team that's here with me tonight, the gentleman sitting here um that are usually here when we do the parameters resolutions. Um we have Jonathan Cox from Eert Seamans. They are our bond council. We have uh Garrett Moore from PFM. He works with Zach Willard. Um they're our financial adviserss. And then we have our underwriters. We have Ed Murray from Stifl. And then we have Mike Lilis and Dan O'Brien um from RBC. Um so we just wanted to present that and then allow the opportunity for questions and conversation. Um and depending on the question, I'll have the appropriate person come to the podium
038and and we'll uh be able to answer any of those questions. >> So first off, I would like you to explain to the board what each of these different um individuals or companies do for us. >> Sure. So, uh, Eard Seammens is our bond council. They're our legal adviserss in this matter. When we do bond, uh, issuances, we have specialized counsel that assists us with with doing that. And, and Jonathan specializes in this type of activity. Um, PFM, Garrett is our financial adviser. So, when we're looking to borrow money, I will call Zach and Garrett and say, "Hey, this is what we need to borrow. This is our budget. These are our uh, financial constrictions that we have. Let's come up with a game plan of the project we're looking for. What does that borrowing
039look like? We have debt schedules and repayment schedules and they kind of quarterback this whole process as well. And everything kind of, you know, runs through them. And then our underwriters, they're the team that goes out when the bonds need to be sold. They're the ones on game day going out and doing that in the marketplace. Um, so hopefully that was they do a lot more than that. Hopefully that was a simple explanation of of what these uh gentlemen bring to the table when we we do something like this. >> Yeah, I appreciate that because I actually didn't know that we had two two um >> yeah, financial advisors together. >> So, um maybe just explain that to the board as well how that works. >> Yeah. So we we kind of go um back
040and forth and we have uh you know one firm will will take the lead depending on the borrowing um and then the other will act as secondary and then we kind of reverse that on the borrowing. So we have both of their expertise from from each of their perspectives um at the table when we're doing something like this. But we kind of swap that out, you know, um, you know, it's not usually a well, you have this one, you have that one because, you know, one could be for 10 and the next one could be 50. So, we kind of make sure that there's some some equal opportunity, but but getting both of their expertise, you know, when we when we go out to the market. >> Mr. Pauling, quick question. Oh, do you have
041another question? Yeah, I was going to just thank you for clarifying what all that is because it these things are all listed, but I didn't know how many people on the board knew what each actor does. And then so I was going to further explain I think what Tom was going to get at um or Mr. Lee, excuse me, why we're doing this. Do you want to go into So we're we're thinking of reshuffleling when we go out for borrowing for Ethan. We Yeah. And so >> could I could I just ask my question because it might frame a piece of this. Mr. Pauling, eventually are you going to need us to um to take action on the specific request that you do that you shuffle how you you know, right? Switching the um the
042timeline. >> Yeah. So when we do the borrowings, then we would come back to the board and have >> No, I'm sorry. Let me re ask my question. tonight. Tonight, are you going to be asking us to take a board vote on going on changing the timeline and barring the 25 million this year and the rest of it in the later years? >> We wouldn't need a formal action on that. >> We just wanted the feedback to guide the timing. Correct. We already have the the motion and the second in place and you you won't need us to amend that. >> Correct. the the the the item required for approval tonight is the resolution which will give us under that blanket the authorization to go out to the market and then we would come back
043with you know the results of that but we don't need a formal action on whether we borrow 10 or 25 we do not all thank you >> well my understanding was that we're not necessarily going to go out for this full two 25,000 that we were going to follow the market and they were going have the option to do that if it was advantageous. It >> correct. But I think based upon two minutes ago he he wants to do the 25 million this year. It looks like that now but we it was to give them the option to do that not necessarily that they are going to do that. Right. >> Well that's what I understand. >> It's both right. So it the the parameters resolution is to give us the ability to do that
044when we feel it's best. We're come also coming back with a recommendation to say we were going to borrow 10 million, >> right? >> It it's a good time to do that before things, you know, may get less predictable than what they are right now. So, we're recommending borrowing 25, you know, pretty in the near future. I mean, if if we would get the authorization tonight, we would be prepared to go out to borrow pretty soon um to to to have those proceeds because um you know, and the the financial people can, you know, give more of an outlook on the market than what I can, but um I think the timing is good for us to do this to hedge our bets on the potential down the road and it makes sense for us
045to to do that, which so that's a recommendation. It doesn't need a formal action, but that's what we would we would like to move forward with. >> Mr. Lee, can I >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Um, so just to start, yeah, so unfortunately I missed last month's meeting. Um, but just to give people like a little bit of background. So about two months ago um we discussed the uh the Middle East hegemony where in before it used to be Saudi Arabia constraining the supply of oil driving up the oil price uh but now we've got Iran you know aka the war or conflict wherever you want to call it uh that's really driving the price of oil. Uh but I wanted to make one distinction though is that what people follow is the spot price
046of oil. Uh not the actual physical delivery of oil. So one thing that um you may know is that all over the world Asia and Europe in particular their stockpile of oil is quite low. And if this doesn't resolve soon, so it's a question of how long, it's persistency. Um, it's going to change, you know, the dynamics. And so what we wanted to do as a board is to authorize that they go out to market when it was favorable up to the entire amount. So it's 50 million that we're authorizing. Mr. Pauling is only suggesting one path as a alternative to what the current path is which is 10 10 and then the remaining right so which makes it bank qualified >> would be 25 now and then yeah exactly >> but I'll jump in
047and say if we borrowed 10 now we're we're handcuffed for the rest of the calendar year if I borrow 25 now and we find out in 3 months that hey we really need to jump on the other 18 we can still do that it negates our BQ opport opportunity for the following years, but it also it doesn't handcuff us by only borrowing 10. Now, we've already borrowed 25. We can borrow the rest if the conditions are good. But right now, we think that we we we're in a good enough spot where we could borrow the 25, but keep the option open for the other two to be split for bank qualified. But should we need to come back in the fall and say, "Hey, we need to jump on borrow the other 18 now," we
048can certainly do that. >> Right. And the distinction between bank qualify and non is the callability. >> Correct. Right. So I think it's five versus eight years. Is that correct? >> Um yeah. >> Yep. >> Okay. So again I you know I wasn't there but I saw the meeting. So I just wanted to make sure I was capturing the right facts if you will. >> Um so I think by allowing them and giving them the authority I think that above all you know we're relying on the experts like you know that's not what we do. Um, so later on I'll ask more specifics, but right now I just wanted to frame that as to how we got to where we are today. So hopefully that's that's clear to most people. Um, and so another element
049that I wanted to stress though is so we originally had the 10 bank qualified that will be callable in two years. Is that right? >> Yeah. The first 10 million that we borrowed, >> right? In 28, right? >> Uh, yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. So I wanted to leave this and the reason why I'm bringing this into the equation now is that if we were to do a non-bank qualify will be locked into the current rates at this let's just say 25 million round number however I don't want to look at this as a silo that other 10 million if somehow interest rates were to drop we would call that back and then refinance that >> correct >> so the whole point is it works in combination. Yeah. Okay. So, and the other part of
050that too is because of the size of the project, there's no way we could have done eight bankqualified borrowings. Like, one of them has to be more than $10 million. So, regardless of how we strategize this, that was that was inevitable because of the project length and how much we have to borrow for it. >> Exactly. So, so going forward and the reason why I kind of bring that up now partly is because if for some reason the price of spot oil remains elevated and to be clear like it's not just oil that's kind of going through the straight there's a lot of other things that if you remember COVID there was a lot of supply destru you know uh supply constraints if you will okay um so if oil stays high and it actually
051the magic number that I have in my head is 120 you know, dollars per barrel. >> Then you have and it stays longer, then you have what's called demand destruction. So things start to slow down just like when it happened in COVID where the spot price of oil was actually negative. I.e. you had to pay somebody to store the oil and that wasn't meant to be but that's what happened and that's the reality of if you look back in the history. So if that were to happen, at least we have this other option of calling back the bond. So I just wanted to make that connection for for people. Okay. Um so kind of focusing a little bit about the details of how things you know will get decided and when right so what I've
052done in my past um vocation or prior lives you know I would do economic capital modeling so I always view the world in a probabilistic you know view like a way uh and one of the things is I would look at you know economic scenario generators you know is That's something that you know the the gentleman here are are they familiar? Do they have something analogous to that? Uh I've also looked at you know what are called Garsh models. Um so G A R CH it's a fancy word just basically stands for uh generalized auto reggressive conditional heterogasticity. Hopefully I'm pronouncing all that right. So basically it's a way to say like there's a mean reversion in interest rates uh that it reverts to the long-term mean you know uh absent like supply shocks and
053stuff like that. So I was just wondering if you know do you you know does that come into the equation like you know what do we generally look at because this could potentially be a big decision because we are locking ourselves in >> you know and and as a caveat you know I totally agree with Mr. Pauling's assessment we are risk averse and the fact that you know we want to it's within our parameters let's lock it in let's get you know money in hand is definitely better than potentially saving something in so >> yeah so I'll let gentlemen whoever would want to come up and talk about your your modeling or you know how you're you're monitoring that area go ahead >> hi it's a pleasure to be here this evening uh to answer
054your question hopefully I'm answering this uh correctly But you know from and I'll speak for PFM if others want to speak for RBC or Stifel. I mean we certainly have um economists on staff that talk about what they're seeing going forward in the broader uh US economy and then broader uh global economy. We also separately follow a number of um indexes that look at forward-looking interest rates. So whether that be utilizing Bloomberg to look at the Fed funds futures, obviously looking at, you know, dot plots to see what the short-term interest rates are doing, what the Fed is controlling, etc., etc., we're constantly monitoring both those things to determine if it makes sense at any given point to accelerate capital plans or potentially should the project and cash flows accommodate it, should we be looking
055to potentially delay borrowings to, you know, attempt to better uh match the market and interest rates. Uh the fact of the matter is I think collectively we are experienc very experiencing a very volatile market. So I think we've all collectively said this probably a million times over the last several months is our collective crystal balls have been broken and the interns so far have not been able to fix the uh the crystal balls. So we're still operating without them. However, what I will say is a general comment to to your question is we always like to say that the project itself needs to drive the financing, not the other way around. To put differently, let we ask you all in the business office as uh elected officials and representatives of you all to tell us
056what the cash flow needs of the project are. And then we match the financings to accommodate those cash flows as opposed to any, you know, buddy here or anybody on the financing team saying, "Oh, interest rates are really low. Let's go out and borrow 25 million. We'll figure out what we're going to spend it on later." there there are in fact legal uh uh there are laws in place that actually prohibit us from doing us from doing that separate apart from whether or not it's a good financial decision or not. Um but yes, we we do look at um and pay for uh you know forward-looking uh prediction services. We have uh access to a lot of data. We do have in-house economists. But I I do think more broadly it's it's a little bit
057of a simpler question, if you will, as far as trying to match the financings with the cash flow needs of the project so that you're not in a position where you're locked out of the market, whether it's because you're borrowing for BQ purposes and then can't borrow again or, you know, because we're trying to get a little too cute, for lack of a better word, to to time the market. Does that does that at least generally kind of address the question you you raised? No, I I think that's fine. I just wanted to hear what you had to say. It was more meant to be an open-ended. >> Okay. >> Uh but to address your initial thing, I think whether alternative A or B, I think it meets our cash flow needs. >> Correct. >>
058So I think I just want to like, >> you know, that that's already a done deal. >> So now it's just more like, you know, like we understand that we're giving you we're empowering this group to go out to the market on our behalf. And what I'd like to understand is just, you know, how opportunistic, you know, can you be? That's all. >> Yeah. I think it also boils down to uh risk tolerance, if you will, of the board. Obviously, um by blocking in a larger borrowing today, we are taking some future interest rate risk off the table because we're, you know, locking up more of the project today. Um I think Mr. Pauling did a great uh made a great point in that if we're I'm saying we collectively, right? But if we're collectively
059comfortable with the budget that's set forth for the project and we comfortably feel that we can abide within that budget, then I do think it makes sense to lock in a larger portion now. Take some of that future interest rate risk off the table. To your exact point, we do have the ability in the future. you have several bond issuances outstanding that are, you know, kind of continuously, I'll call it, becoming callable. So, you know, should we I'm going to use the wrong words here, so forgive me. If should we get it wrong now and interest rates do go down in the future, we will have the availability to come back, whether it's subsequent borrowings for Ethan or refinancing opportunities to, again, wrong words here, claw back some of that interest rate. >> Yeah. I
060just want to be sure I have one aspect to this clear. Yes, ma'am. >> So, we can basically refinance all the different years except >> the one for 25,000, right? That's the only one that we're locked into. It's not we just we'd have to wait longer to refinance it. So, it would be eight years versus five years. So that so that's the big difference is that we're locked in. >> So we're changing when we're going to do that from 2027 to this year. >> So you're all sitting here. This is what you do. Do you think that this is what this is the best idea to do and we should go out for the 25,000 now and switch this. >> It's 25 million. >> We wish we >> Oh, come on. So >> million. >>
061I I'd just like to make three points. One, your interest rate hedge was in the plan that PFM, Stifel, and RBC put together. You would borrow at different times. So sometimes interest rates were going to be lower, sometimes they were going to be higher. So the hedge was the plan as talked about. The very first part of the plan is going to be refundable in two years. And then the year after that, the second bank qualified. And then the year after that the third bank qualified. So you'll be looking at refundings in 28 2930 interest >> if interest rates come down. But again that's the hedge. They go up they go down. So maybe they're there, maybe they're not. But the idea with the initial hedge was the whole plan. Um that would be number
062one. Number two, I love forward guidance and forward modeling. Uh, I look at it all day long from our economists. I know RBC has economists. Stifl has two economists on staff, but they will tell you forecasting bond volatility right now is nearly impossible because so much of it relies upon a tweet at 3:00 a.m. in the morning, which you can't put into a model. Like, will this person tweet this conflict is over at 3:00 a.m. in the morning? You just can't model it. So, I would go back to what Mr. Pauling said, "It's in your budget. We're taking risk off the table." So, if I can look at bond volatility and I can look at where you are with the budgeting. Now, as far as being aggressive in the marketing of the bonds, I would
063also tell you that this month, June 1, we look, our market, municipal market, is more determinative for fund flows. It's supply and demand. If there's too much supply going to sale, interest rates go up. So far, there's been excellent inflows into municipal bond funds throughout the first part of the year. I think something like 18 out of 19 weeks, we had positive inflows. So, the Vanguards, the Fidelities, those people are getting more money. The largest redemption month, that means the largest amount of redemptions of bonds this year will be June 1st and $50 billion worth of redemptions will happen on June 1st. So, if you're asking me if we're going to move our plan forward and we're going to swap 27 for 26 and we're going to make 26 the $25 million trunch, you should
064do it as soon as you can do it after June 1st. After that, you're just waiting for, for instance, CPI came in last month at 4.5. You know, if you're asking me, do I want to be around to sell your bonds after the after the June report on CPI? I mean, that could be over six. So, like, do I want to be selling bonds in a 6% CPI world? If you're asking me to move this thing forward, I got $50 billion worth of redemptions. I got relatively low supply coming out of a Memorial Day holiday. I want to sell the bonds June 2nd. >> So, we had a really in-depth conversation. I know Jamie, you have a question, but and and please by all means, but after our very long in-depth conversation, the upshot was
065this gives them the flexibility to take our hedge plan and maximize it to the best degree possible. Yeah, I'm thinking there's going to be people who will want to buy new bonds after everything sell after 50 billion million billion >> billion >> gets dumped June 1st. So I you know you more than answered all my question. >> Someone's losing someone's losing a bond they bought in 2020 that might have gotten them 1%. And they're going to have the chance to buy a Rner Township AAA bond at let's say 4%. They're going to love it. >> Yes, >> we're going to sell the bonds at a very competitive rate. We're going to do an unbelievable job. It's It's going to be fantastic. But if the if the question is should we do it now or should
066we wait until I mean you do it now before the CPI before the next job or you do it now or you wait to see how the rest of this war conflict whatever plays out. And I don't I think what we're saying is we don't want to see that world right now. We've got it budgeted. So, I want to move as quickly as possible for all those reasons. >> I'm so happy we don't have to do this conversation again. >> Yeah, >> Miss Low, >> it's your turn. >> Sorry. Um, I I think this is a no-brainer. And I just want to thank and commend Mr. Lee for taking the initiative to bring this up on his own. Um, even though it wasn't suggested or recommended by our consultants or our administration. So I think
067this I just want to stress the importance of having subject matter experts on our board a diverse you know a variety of subject matter experts because I really appreciate you know being a lawyer I was a corporate lawyer so I know enough about finance to be dangerous but not enough how much I appreciate having someone like Mr. Lee on the board so that these opportunities are brought before us. Um, and I would encourage our administration and our consultants, not just our financial ones, but everyone to not presume that our board has a certain level of risk tolerance that you should always present us with the full range of options, right? Because we could surprise you, we could learn something. Um and I just for one would appreciate that always given no matter how ludicrous it
068may sound um you know to given to be given the full range of options because you know I do think we should rely on our experts and give them the full freedom of action to maximize opportunities for us and you know the risktaking involved here. I mean we authorized the Ethan project like that's done and dusted. We had those deliberations. We had all the hemming and hawing. Now that we've authorized it, let's not revisit it by having this kind of discussion when it comes to borrowing the money for it because we've already committed to borrowing this money, right? So now let's try to do it in the best way possible. So to me, this was us conflating and trying to going trying to go back and having that discussion again. So, you know, to me,
069from a financial standpoint, this is a no-brainer. I think several people have tried to say that already so that we can move on. But I just wanted to kind of make the larger point about when we, you know, approach these types of projects in the future, not just financial ones. Let's take that kind of more open-minded approach. Let's not hide the ball from the board, right? like let's present us ourselves with the full range of possibilities because I think we're doing a disservice to our constituents and our taxpayers if we're just saying well we're this kind of board we're very riskaverse and we only do things this way small steps micro steps like I think we're doing all of us a disservice if we promote that reputation if we embrace that reputation because sometimes you
070know what sometimes it makes sense to authorize $50 million of borrowing right? Because that's the right thing to do. So I I I just want to make that larger point in terms of how we approach our decision-m as a board. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Yeah, I I wanted to ask if you because I presume you all advise other school districts. Are are other school districts thinking about doing this? Other people that are doing construction projects and are you recommending something like this? A lot of the time each school district situation, you know, is a unique thing. Like you're in a in a very specific position where you've accepted bids on the project, so you know exactly what it's cost. >> You've gone through three bank qualified, you've started the borrowing for the
071project. >> And because you started and because the administration was out in front of this, it presents you this opportunity. I don't have many school districts that have this opportunity on a widescale plan that started borrowing early that had fiveyear bankquified bank and then because you were so forward thinking you have the opportunity to switch the two years. >> Okay. >> You know I have a lot of school districts that are trying to figure out how do we stay under the index in our budget, >> right? >> And like can you help us with that? like so you're in a unique situation as a AAA school district. Um there's certain advantages that you have. You're going to pull the lever on one of them. Um there are other school districts that are approximately where you
072are where we're advising a a quicker pull. Um there are some that aren't ready that we've said slow down a little >> but your position is clear move quicker because of your plan because of where you are and because we know what's coming on June 1st >> and and that's actually helpful because yeah >> I also just want to share that you know I don't think at any point was our administrative team or business office looking to you know hide the ball or look at the full range. I mean that's why we hire PFM right we hire PFM to come up with these models to develop these models and to develop these models in a way that gives us an opportunity to adjust to look at these things to look at suggestions for board members.
073So I I don't I don't want anyone from the public to walk away thinking that you know which which I do agree with your comments about let's let's not be afraid to look at all options always put all options at the table but I don't think there was any at a time whether it's PFM or business office we were looking to hide any options uh moving forward it's really the conditions that have been happening right now that has led to a further discussion and thankfully our business office was as organized as they were working with PFM that it allowed us to now look at these options based on a changing circumstances. >> I would agree. >> Well, and I I guess I just want to editorialize a little bit to Miss Laauo. Um I personally
074am extremely riskaverse. I'm very very cautious spending other people's money. Um sitting on a school board with millions of dollars each year in a budget. I want to be sure that we're doing the best we can for all constituents and all parties are represented fairly. And so, um, yeah, I'm not relitigating that we're going to, that's not the right word, rediscussing that we're going to borrow this. Of course, we're going forward with this. I actually like the plan, though, that we are going to do two more bank qualified. I, you know, I I would be kind of surprised if somebody comes back and says, "No, we need all 50 million this year." I mean, is that what I know we're authorizing that, but I I don't think that's what we're discussing doing, is it >>
075at this point? Yeah, >> that's not the recommendation. >> Okay, >> thank you. >> So, just um going back to the logistics of things too. So, I think the last time finance um CPI was released the night of that meeting and it was slightly elevated but I think perhaps that you were referring to the um the PPI which was extremely hot. So, that's the producer price index and I would expect that the same is going to happen in June. So my question partly is you know assuming that you know we authorize you to do that you know can you potentially do it given these two you know events one the large redemption and two I certainly think before PPI for sure because I think that's going to be a very hot number coming out >>
076we're ready to go >> okay >> we've been planning based on the conversations we've had in the finance committee meetings and you know what um you know what we anticipated the feedback would be, but it's still allowing us to pivot should it have been different. Um we're ready to go out to sale as soon as we need to. Yep. >> Okay, I think we are ready if there's no further questions to take a vote. Roll call. >> Uh it says roll call vote. >> Roll call vote required for resolution. >> It does for the resolution. It does. Yeah. >> Recommended action. >> Yes. >> Where do you see that? >> I already I already read the recommended action. It's right below here. >> Is that >> Sure. >> Mr. Calling. >> Sure. I'll just go
077left to right. Mr. Lee. >> Yay. >> Miss Girtton. >> Hi. >> Miss Dunn. >> I. >> Miss Stern. >> I. >> Miss Duffy. >> I. >> Miss Solomon. >> Yes. >> Miss Laauo. >> I. >> Mr. Thornton. >> Yes. >> Miss Rosen Bloom. I >> Okay, nine. Affirmative. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thanks, guys. >> What? Yeah. Sorry. >> Yeah, it's very small. >> Okay, you can stay up there, Mr. Pauling. >> Yes. 802 adoption of final general fund budget for fiscal year 2026 27. The recommended action is that the board approve the general fund budget resolution in its entirety for the fiscal year 2026 27 with total budget revenues and expenditures of 130 million84,033 requiring a real estate tax levy of 16.3263 mills for each 1,000 of assessed valuation which represents presents a.5298
078mil increase which is 3.36% in the local real estate tax millage over the 202526 rate. The total revenues and expenditures are explained in the agenda in the resolution. Do I have a motion to discuss? >> So moved. >> Miss Solomon >> Second >> Miss Durm >> Mr. Paulie. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I've prepared some slides this evening to go through um the timeline of our work and and really internally this work begins in late October sending budget requests out to uh our departments uh and our school buildings, receiving those and then internally within the business office putting all of those requests together as well as working on uh personnel budgeting, revenue budgeting, and the other components of the budget. before we finally present that to the board um in uh in January or February.
079And there we go. Okay. So, where we began back on February 10th with a proposed uh tax increase at 3.5% which is the act one index base limit for the 2627 budget year. Um we had a deficit budget of $130,773,71 which was representing a $743,000 $357 deficit. Um upon further review and refinement of the budget, we presented um some adjustments um at uh the um April finance committee meeting which would reduce that deficit down to $177,690. We made some further uh refinements and adjustments to um operating budgets. So nothing that was adjusted is going to impact um students in the classroom or any instructional um budgetary items within the budget. Um we were able to reduce the deficit to zero um balance the budget at 130 million884,033 with a recommended 3.36% tax increase. So just
080to contextualize that the information on the screen shows um two rates. What we want to really want to focus on are the ones on the right hand side. So since act one's been implemented uh in 2006. So um we're about 20 years uh past the implementation of that which sets the the annual limit on our millage rate increase based on economic components. Um you can see the last uh six years in the budget we've we've presented budgets um under the act one index. So the second to last column on the right the percent millages was our approved increases as well as our proposed for um as well as the corresponding act one index uh base numbers um within those budgetary years. Um I put a footnote at the bottom of this page. our average percent
081increase uh during act one, so over that 20-year cycle, has just been slightly over 3% as a district. Um, and over the last six years, again, we've we've been under the recommended uh amount of what was in the act one index with our uh final budgets. I had this slide in a previous committee presentation. Thought I would put it back in as the forecasted numbers for act one um beyond the 2627 budgetary year. Um you can see over the past few years we had a high water mark in 2425 of 5.3%. Um in the current budget year that we're working in in 2526 the act index was 4%. Um, we're utilizing the 3.5% index for the budget. We're we're looking for approval tonight. And then the projection has the act one index number going down
082to 3.2, 3.3, 3.3, and 3.1. Now, those numbers um most likely will not be accurate, you know, down to the 10th. But I looking at it from a trend perspective, it's showing that over the next few years, um that forecasted number looks to to kind of equalize just a little above 3%. And if you remember from the previous slide, our 20-year proposed uh increases have been right around in that same range. So we're kind of operating within somewhat what I'll use in air quotes is normaly within within the act one perspective uh in the next few years. I had presented this slide uh previously as well and and updated it for this evening. We did a a comparison between some other schools and just to you know put the um disclaimer out there. We are
083not picking on any of these schools or trying to you know uh highlight any things within their budgets because every school district has unique circumstances. But I thought it was interesting in just looking at um uh our data comparative to some of the other schools that that we normally look uh as as comparisons and and as peers within the area. Um so what I did for the purpose of this comparison was took um a market value of a property at $1 million and then each county has a different common level ratio which equalizes that number down to the assessed value. So for Delaware County that is 57.47%. Montgomery County is 30.77 and um the lower the number indicates the length of time since a countywide reassessment has has been done. Um so um ours had
084been you know about five or six years ago now. Um but you can see what those other comparisons are to kind of equalize what an assessed value would be. and then looking at those districts millage rates what the real estate tax would be for those uh equivalent properties. Um and just to show and then the residential tax base you know we have uh over 81% of our tax base is made up of of residential properties when you compare it to a school district like Upper Marian with um the amount of commercial and and property that they have over there um you know theirs is only a little above 40%. So just some interesting information. Um what I found most interesting is looking at the past five years um on those comparative schools, our average millage
085rate increase was the lowest of the comparative schools at 3.21%. Um, so with everything that we're doing here within the district to be able to keep that number, you know, as as as low as we can, I think is um, you know, real real complement to the direction that the board gives um, and the things that we're doing that we we're able to do it within our budgetary constraints, but also be able to provide the the education level to our students that we do. This is a slide just to show the taxpayer impact. So looking at three sample assessed values from 500,000 up to a million um what their uh current year tax bill would be at the 15.7965 millillage rate and then that what that would look like um with the 3.36% increase. Um
086so in the middle there a home the average assessed value in the district is $734,000 and change. um that would be a $389 uh increase to the tax bill for for that property owner in that average assessed value um property. We also talked at our meeting a little bit about Homestead Farmstead. So, I wanted to put some data in there. And what this is is this is money allocated through gaming and other proceeds at the state level, which is um allocated out to each individual district and then dispersed to eligible property owners within the district. Um, so this is just a 5-year snapshot to show on the first column what the the state's allocation has been. It went from 1.8 million to our current number of 2.5 million. Um, and then you can see the
087number of people applying for that exemption has increased from 4,943 up to 5108. And then we calculate what the reduction will be based on the decrease in the assessed value on that property and the millage rate. So, uh, those property owners that have the homestead farmstead exclusion would see a decrease in, uh, their assessed value at about $30,636, which equates to a little over $500 reduction on their their tax bill. And that's over half of our properties within the district. We have a little less than 10,000. So, that 5,100 is um a little over half of that number. So, we did present a a preliminary budget book. So, once the budget is approved, we'll get to work on putting together a comprehensive book that's much larger. That includes the general fund we're approving tonight, as
088well as our other funds within the district. Um, so that will be something our next step as far as working on getting all of that detailed information um available to uh the board and to our our residents. With that, I'll leave uh open it up if there's any questions. Sister, >> since it's been referenced a number of times this evening, and I apologize if you address this in finance because I haven't had a chance to watch the meeting, >> does your operating budget for next year accommodate the skyrocketing gas prices? >> So, it does because we we Okay, we bid our gas prices through a consortium through the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, and we have locked in our prices for next year. Um, so we we we got in early. The bids I think were
089February time frame when we locked those in. So we we were did get out ahead of that. So we're in good shape at least for next year's budget as far as the fuel prices go. >> Okay. And I I know I in past years have done things like raise my hand and said, "Why are we getting new buses? Do we really need new buses?" Have we though there have been a lot of advancements in um larger vehicles being either hybrid or electric. have we looked into as we're replacing those looking at things that will be less costly from a gasoline standpoint. >> So in the immediate future we we are working on the conversion from the diesel buses to the propane and the propane has been historically cheaper than diesel prices. The the buses themselves
090and the infrastructure are still cost prohibitive for the electric. It's almost three times as much to buy an electric bus right now as it is a diesel or a propane bus. So I think what the game plan is is to continue with the fleet conversion from the diesel over to the propane liquid propane and then once we start to replace those buses is is look to whether the electric infrastructure makes sense from you know logistically and from financial >> and I wasn't actually thinking about buses I actually and I should have been clear was thinking more in terms of like maintenance vehicles when we do plowing and things like that a number of like small trucks and even larger trucks there's a there've been a lot of advancements in that >> our courier vehicle We
091when we purchased that about a year ago, we purchased an electric vehicle. So yeah, so we are looking at that for our smaller vehicles as options. Um if it makes sense if it's plowing, it may not because of the the torque and all of that, but for our courier vehicle, we we definitely looked at that and we do have we did purchase an electric vehicle for that. >> Okay. And I just even the hybrids, there's a big savings from a gas standpoint. So >> Yep. Just a um a point of clarification on here on the real estate tax. >> Yeah. >> Um so it says like 1% real estate transfer and shared with the township. >> So I think like in total whoever does a transaction like it they share the two and a half%
092right. 1% goes to the state 1% goes to township and I think the other.5% goes to the school. >> We get 0.5% of that. Yes. I'm not sure how much the state gets, but yeah, we get >> No, it's just the way that it reads. I don't quite >> It's not clear to me and that's so that's why I'm verbalizing. >> Yeah, >> like that's your understanding. >> Correct. >> So, I don't know if like that needs to be vetted or not, but or changed, but that's up to you, but I just want to make sure. Okay. So, you you confirmed that's >> I did have one more question. >> Sure. >> And this is going to sound greedy given the questions I just asked. What are the chances? You know, you write these budgets
093and then I sat on finance for years and I've done all the refinancing, etc. And I know that usually you come in with one budget and then you usually manage to kind of hopefully lower it at all. Is that are we kind of at the lowest increase we're going to see? I think without making decisions related to instructional programming and some of those conversations we're from an operational standpoint we are but you know we've also we vet this as a team when we look at staffing levels and and all of those type of things but we we've not made any recommendations that would negatively impact anything going on in our school buildings. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Take a vote. Right. Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Okay, it passes 90.
094>> Thank you. >> Okay, we're next up is the consent agenda. Before I ask for a motion, I want to note that there's the one resignation that is under personnel. It was listed as TBD, but it's been changed to read on or before June 30th, 2026. So, with that, >> that's in section 1601. Is that correct? >> That is in section 161. Yes. >> Yes. 01. >> Okay. So, um do I have anyone want to pull anything? >> Yes, I would like to pull item 11:01. Uh 11:02, sorry. >> 11:02. Okay. So, anyone else? Anything else? Then do I have a motion to approve consent agenda 1001 to 11:01 and then 1103 to603. >> So moved. >> Miss Solomon, >> Mr. Thornton. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Lon >> I. Great. Motion passes
09590. Okay. So now we'll open up 1102. Miss L. No. Motion please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> For what? >> For 112 >> to discuss 11:02. 11:02. Okay. Miss loud. >> Okay. >> Did you get a second? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Miss Girtton. >> Great. Thank you. Um, so specifically I would like to discuss the renewal of Whistler Pearlstein as our district solicitor for another three years. And I know now that our um I guess well what happened here? I don't know if it's always the case but um this was vetted through the finance committee and now it's before the full board for approval. It was originally part of the consent agenda. Um I pulled it for this reason. Um, you know, I just think the choice of a district solicitor is, um,
096not your, I guess, run-of-the-mill service contract. Um, our district district solicitor is present at all of my policy committee meetings at is present at all of our board meetings. I know the administration probably relies on them on a daily basis for legal advice, I would guess. Um, and I know they have been in the room with us during executive sessions, um, weighing in on the most weighty matters, the most important matters, um, I would argue. And so I just think as a board we should reconsider just having the finance committee um consider this type of selection that only comes around once every three years apparently without consulting the full board or giving the full board or other members of the board um the opportunity to weigh in especially when we have two sitting lawyers I
097think at least on this board. I don't think just because we didn't happen to be a member of the finance committee this year. Um I was not consulted. I don't know if Miss Dunn you were consulted. Um because I certainly think we have specific expertise, subject matter expertise that we bring to this board. I think that's part of the reason the voters elected us to to this board, right? To bring that expertise to bear. So, I just think it's um a missed opportunity to not give us the opportunity to weigh in on this election. I am going to vote no. Um I do have some specific feedback that I want to give back to the lawyers who are on our account um that I've just observed over the past two and a half years. Um
098you know, and and I hope they will take that back to their higherups at the firm. And I will do that in private. I will spare them a public airing of of um all of my feedback. But I just um wanted to take the opportunity to urge this board moving forward to whether and I know in the past you have gone to even RFPs. You have taken a more thorough approach and deliberative approach to selecting your solicitor. You know, it's been explained to me that was prompted usually by certain circumstances like we decided to get rid of this firm that was doing our real estate work and ultimately we decided to consolidate all of our legal work under you know one firm which has its pros and cons. Um, I get that. But I would
099say as a matter of course, you should always um undertake that kind of deliberative approach because for me it's as important as going out to RFP to build a new school, right? Um, like I've seen the influence that our solicitor has in public board meetings, let alone executive sessions, in swaying opinions, especially those of us who are not trained as lawyers, right? Because we are not as well equipped to push back or to question necessarily. And it can be fairly intimidating to have a lawyer tell you this is this is legal, this is not illegal. So, I just, you know, >> I just would urge all of us to take this decision more seriously. Um, and you know, and and I just wanted to explain my no vote. Thank you. >> So, just as the
100other attorney on the board, um, I have never been shy. I don't think most lawyers are shy. When I've been unhappy with an attorney, we have. I'm not unhappy. Um, which is why I'm going to be voting yes. Um, I've been on the board almost nine years. When I have been unhappy, more members of the administration than should probably know how unhappy I am. Um, I I think, you know, there are a lot of different things that we all have different expertise on and we, you know, for many years it just happened that a member of the bar also, sorry, a lawyer sat on finance. It was often either me before that or after me. It was um Mr. Moore who was also an attorney. Um, and we, you know, came with that expertise and
101we weighed in. And I think oftentimes our peers do hear us differently because, you know, the same way if we had a general contractor who sat on the board, we would hear and weigh their opinions probably differently. I, you know, this was on the finance committee agenda. I think that's an invitation to any member of the board to say, you know, I have concerns. And I, you know, I know we're all busy and sometimes we don't get to read it, but if you had concerns before it came before finance, it would have been a good time to raise it with the finance um committee leadership. Um, but you certainly don't have to wait for that. I've never waited for things to show up on an agenda if I'm unhappy and I apologize the administration for
102being so forthright, but I think it actually helps everybody know. Um, I don't wait for things to come up for a vote to say I think there's a problem. Um, I will say this has come up a number of times in the years I've been on the board. Um, and what I have learned when I was particularly frustrated is that it is um, it's a lot of work to put together an RFP. It's a lot of work for the administration to change some of the providers that we have, especially ones that they've worked with for a long time. And I both as an in-house attorney and as a board member recognize it can be very disruptive to change a professional that we've worked with for some period of time. Um which is why it can
103often take a number of years to make that change. Right? Um you might be you know when it comes to lawyers you might be in the middle of a particularly difficult negotiation or piece of litigation or settlement and there are a lot of reasons that we do have a three-year arrangement with Whistler Pearl and it provides the administration and the board some kind of stability and sense of knowledge that we know we have this partner for this period of time. I also think as a corporate attorney and knowing what I have to pay outside counsel, I think Whistler Pearlstein has been very reasonable um in their prices to us. I don't usually say that about anything we pay for, but I know what lawyers cost. Um and I can't get a parallegal in the corporate
104world for $200 an hour. So, um I I think because of the time and effort that goes into an RFP, I know we did force the I mean the some members of the board forced the administration and really said we really insist on an RFP last time and we put it out in different segments. Um and Whistler Pearlstein won that bid fair and square um in a public setting. I have not been unhappy with the quality of their work. I think there have been a lot of efficiencies. Look, I there's benefits to dividing your work and making different people bid on it. I think in the last few years, there have been a lot of efficiencies for the administration and for the board and having one solicitor um or one law firm. You know, Mr.
105Kristoff doesn't do all the work himself, but um I I am going to vote yes, >> mister. >> Um I'm going to respectfully disagree with your characterization that because some of us are not attorneys, uh we just we we just kind of don't know what to do and and listen and evaluate. I'm I'm I'm I really do not appreciate that characterization. Um, I have appreciated Mr. Moore did serve on finance. I don't recall. I think he actually uh if I recall correctly made a point of staying away from the policy committee because and I respected this because he actually thought that it, and I'm happy that you're on there, don't get me wrong, but Mr. Moore always said he was particularly mindful that because he was an attorney, he he thought that he needed to
106not overly exercise his his expertise. And I think that we have a number of people on this board with various um areas of expertise. We have people with teaching degrees. We have finance people and I appreciate their their knowledge and my my ability to assess a situation is also very strong. Um yes, it's it's also very strong. Um we made a decision as a board several years ago and I fought for this. Just let me say this. um particularly when the laws changed that we don't have new business any longer. Um I said, "Well, when's my opportunity to voice my thoughts on a on a matter when I don't serve on a committee?" because I really re I really believe in the committee structure and I don't get to I've never served on curriculum and
107I have lots of opinions about matters of curriculum and I have found my ways to express those concerns to your point Miss Dunn you know there's probably administrators who have heard like oh god it's her on the caller ID but um you know But I found a way to express it. But as a board, we made a decision a few years ago um to identify those items that we thought were of such importance that they need to be at the board level. Um we identified it as um our district goals, our our priority projects, you know, when it was at that level. And so what I do completely respect is the request that you would like us to consider elevating the solicitor to to that level. I don't know what the board will say about
108that, but I I respect I want you to hear me. I respect that request. I don't necessarily agree with it, but I respect that it's it's just as valid as the things that I said. Hey, there are some things that we decide that are so important that I think that they ought to be at the level of the board and um and be aired at a at a board meeting because even though I've always made my opinions known at different committee levels, there are facilities is one. I haven't served on facilities in the last couple of years and in case you all didn't notice, I had a lot of opinions about Ethan Elementary. And so that's that was really my impetus at the time. Janie, maybe before or as you were coming on to the
109board, um to want that elevated to board level because I wanted that opportunity. So, I do really really respect that. Um and you know, we should discuss the way to do that. Um I would have appreciated hearing about this two weeks ago when we were in our finance planning meeting, you know, and have had an opportunity to consider that then, but you may not have gotten to that. That's fine. I I understand it. Um I am going to approve this tonight. I was part of the committee, not the committee. I was part of the finance committee three years ago when we did do the RFP. I don't I don't necessarily agree that every three years this this particular um audit and le and legal were the two that this has come up the most with
110where I said, well, you know, periodically we really should do an RFP for these. We should not just automatically renew them. These have been the two I've advocated for this. Um and but but there's a balance to be struck because if you become known as the district that every three years you are changing who your auditor is or changing who your solicitor is, it it can be problematic for continuity at the district level and it can be not the best reputation to have as a district. So, I think that there's a balance to be struck there, which is why I appreciate I think we did uh the RFP the last time maybe and and we've talked about I'm I'm pretty sure there's a letter somewhere, Mr. Pauling. I said, could we please codify when we're
111going to do RFPs um for these contracted services? I think the audit services company is, you know, so very important. Um but I I think there's any number of things that we make a decision on that touch it. I I do understand the unique relationship, the personal relationship that we have with our solicitor. Um and why you feel strongly about that. I I respect that. Um you know, we should find the opportunity to discuss it. I'm going to support this tonight. I don't always agree with everything that I've heard from our team of solicitors. Um, but I respect their steady hand and I and I think that we have gotten um very good services and very good value from them. And I don't have to agree with someone 100% of the time to still respect
112and support that they bring um a steady hand to to the district as it relates to, as you said, very important, very sensitive, you know, matters with a lot of gravitas. Miss Gordon. >> Um, thank you uh for this opportunity to actually bring this into the discussion for the full board. I um wanted to make a comment that I appreciate one all of the input from all of our board members. We're all very different. we all come with different perspectives and different um understandings, lenses, all those things. And I I really enjoy being part of this group. Um but that being said, I also super appreciate the working relationship between our administration and our consultant professional consultants. Um I haven't had any indication that there was something a miss in any of those consulting relationships
113financially, legally all of the and if there is something we hear about it. So I I appreciate that we our administration and our consultants um have a strong working u relationship and if that if there's any indication that there's something a miss there that we would hear about it and have a chance to think about it and discuss it. >> Mr. Lee >> um so I just want to make a comment that you know I fully appreciate what Miss Laauo was saying. I think having, you know, a very influential uh member inside the room with very sensitive discussions, you know, wields tremendous impact. There's no question about that. And I think, you know, I I think um you know, I thank her for bringing this up and I think I do agree that we should
114be talking about as a board because it is such an important and it's not just like any other contract. Uh but with that said, being the newbie, unfortunately, you know, like if assuming that you know, we have to vote, I'd have to go along unfortunately or or fortunately, whatever the case may be, depending on your perspective. Um but but anyway, so so so yeah, but but definitely I think um the importance of this one role is pivotal because it could, you know, sways easily and we've had like lots of discussions where like, well, what do we know, what don't we know? And I think having that legal advice could easily tip us one way or the other. And and but but going back to what I guess Miss Dunn and Miss Stern was saying too,
115you know, I'm not a lawyer either, but I feel that you know, many of us do think critically and hopefully we ask good questions. And so while it's not within our domain, uh we still can ask, I think, a fairly straightforward, you know, logical question or followup or press when we need to. And I think, you know, we we we have done that for the most part. Thank you, >> Miss Solomon. >> Yeah. Um I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to take my comments, but first of all, I fully support um voting for this. I'm kind of surprised um at this conversation and I agree with what Miss Girtton said that the critical relationship here and so having been on the board for 16 years, we have gone through several look times looking at
116our solicitors. We've changed firms. We've changed the services that we're using. We used to do a lot more of our special ed um outside. We now have in-house counsel for that. Um, we used to do real estate. We used to do things with different firms. Um, so this has been looked at and this did go out for RFP. And so the I for me and I'm I'm sorry you weren't on the board at the time, but we did critically look at this. So what I came to my opinion on it is that the critical thing about it is the relationship between the administration and the services that are provided. And so, um, and I was privy to this the last time we did the RFP. The administration is happy, extremely happy and comfortable with that
117relationship, and that's what matters to me. It's not for me to get in the middle of that. Um, so I also want to say about the structure of how these things are done. The when Ken came in, when Dr. Bachelor came in. Sorry guys, I'm um he put everything that we're doing through committee. Every single thing that happens goes through committee first. And so things go maybe it's not arbitrary, but that item goes through the finance committee. So that's sort of how we operate. I would not personally and I love the committee structure because I don't want to sit with every single decision that this board is making and the nine of us discuss it ad nauseium. I think that the committee structure is the efficient way to do school business. Like let the people
118on that committee dig into it and then bring it to the full board. So that works. I appreciate that. Um so with regard to this item I I think that you know it came through committee and um I would not personally want to now go out and do an RFP for our underwriters and our you know so for all the people those are to me just as critical. They're going to be investing millions, millions of dollars for us. And so all of those gentlemen tonight, that's why I wanted everyone on the board to know what they do. Do do we want to now go out as a full board and do, you know, do RFPs for all those people? I don't. So, um, I hear what you're saying and I I think though from my
119own experience because I'm an educator, I purposely stay out of certain issues in this district that are going to overlap with it's not my job to be a school psychologist here. It is my job to be a board member. I have a firm boundary between those two things and it's really not your job to be a lawyer on this board. I appreciate your expertise. I appreciate Tom's financial expertise, what everyone else contributes. Um, we need that. We need all the different voices, but we are not doing those roles on this board. We we are having the administration do their job and they are using services contracted to do their job and their expertise. And so that's sort of how it should flow. And so, um, I guess I'm more wanted to >> just for the
120record, I don't want to be the district solicitor and I'm never given legal advice to the district. >> I'm not I'm not saying you're trying for the job. I just I don't really anyway um so I will be supporting this and I personally um have known the solicitor and his firm and the work that they've done and um I'm not in the weeds on this but I have not heard anything from the administration or the people that are intimately involved with this that there's a problem. Um I hope that we would hear if there was. >> So if I may just follow up as an extension I'll make it brief. Um while I appreciate Mr. Miss Solomon's comments about the relationship relation you know the world is made up of relationships right um there is
121comes a time though sometimes if we get too comfortable and so you know like clearly you know our relationship with Listler you know they know you know where the you know the need comes from it's really from our superintendent and so I've not witnessed this just to be clear but the whole point is what if there comes a time and maybe this has already happened. I have no idea. We're protecting the administration versus doing what's best for Radner. That's the only part that I don't know and and and I may never know. Okay. So, I just wanted to kind of reframe that because sometimes relationships gets too too comfortable. You kind of start doing the same thing and you kind of like, you know, it's second nature as opposed to like, hey, wait a minute,
122maybe this isn't the way to go. So that's all >> Mr. Thordon. >> Yeah. No further comment, just a question. This is a a vote that will Can I I would like to end the discussion. Move to vote. Can I How do I make that happen? >> Second. >> I call the question. >> Yeah. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> Nay. So it p 1102 passes 81. I do just want to make one comment very briefly in support of the committee structure. I do believe um it is an efficient way to do the work of the board. Um I I just want to then I think this is a good discussion to reopen the invitation that you know we all can comment. Um I've often commented now I'm not on facilities. I
123might call Miss Rosen Bloom and bring up an item once I review the agenda and we you know we have an open invitation to do that. I also appreciate that if something is super important to someone and and this is an important role of course they they are in every you know they sit in our executive session. So I can recognize that that might be worth I think it not even might should it's worth a discussion on whether certain pieces of you know our decision-m or certain contracts you know deserve elevation to the board level and I'm clearly hearing that you know you believe that this one does and I think we should keep that in you know consideration in the future and maybe challenge ourselves to look at other positions that we might think
124fall into that category and we can develop a plan forward. So, I don't want to feel like because the vote went like it went that we're not listening to you. But I also want to just reiterate the invitation that the committee structure is open for everyone's view and when it works best. we do call and you know ask I mean I get people when I used to run that they would send me all their questions and I made sure that I as you know the chair reviewed those questions so that they could be vetted at the committee level efficiently and we could come to the board and you know in some ways have the luxury of a consent agenda that was fully vetted before in committee. So that's it. Thank you. reports from board leaison
125and um community announcements 1701 the Delaware County Community College. >> No report. >> 1702 Delaware County Intermediate Union. >> Yes, >> Mr. Thornton. >> Couple things to report. Uh the DCIU has hired an interim executive director in Jim Scanlin and the DCIU is engaging in a search firm to find a permanent um executive director. >> Do you want to also mention the legislative breakfast or will that come later? >> Okay. Next. 17. Is that Are you finished, Mr. Thor? >> I'll finish. >> Okay. Um 1703 Delaware County School Board's Legislative Council. >> Yes. The Delaware County School Board's legislative council um hosted a very informative breakfast which they do every spring. Um this year the topic was unfunded mandates um which is actually a really important topic when on nights that we do the budget
126and I just want to point out if you were looking the federal government which is the largest source of our unfunded mandates funds. 64% of the Rner Township School District budget and they are they've got to be at least a quarter of our costs. They're certainly significantly more than what they cover. Um and and the state is another 20% of our budget, but also a lot of unfunded mandates. So, it was very helpful to um have our local and state legislators there to hear the concerns. Um, you know, again, as is often the case, Radner can can bear a lot of those costs. Um, a lot of other school districts really struggle um with those burdens. Uh, chief among them, I think a lot of the school districts, the transportation is a real burden um
127when you have to transport students to other schools, especially districts that have a significant number of charter schools. So, it was a very informative session. Um the only thing missing I I really have appreciated in prior years when they had students and I I was disappointed they didn't have students participating this year but it was as always um a very informative program um for schoolboard members >> and cursive is a hot topic apparently only Rner school board members are really upset about cursive >> 17 >> not being taught >> next step next step 1704 um Pennsylvania school board association SL. So my first update was relating to appointing delegates to the assembly which I believe we have done. So kudos to us. Um the other um item I was going to encourage everyone to do
128is to complete the 202728 legislative priorities survey which is due by June 26. So this is where we can give them input as to advocacy priorities for the PSBA. You know it's a huge organization. They are representing a wide swath of constituencies. So as you can imagine a lot of times you know the approach that they are often forced to take is very high level hammer approach. you know, we're not, you know, it's not really possible to have like a nuanced approach to this, but I do think there are certain priorities that have that broad-based support that are still worth, you know, kind of highlighting and putting our weight behind. Um, so please still can, you know, complete the survey even though it seems like, you know, you will be just one drop in a
129huge bucket. Thank you. Will you see that survey what we put in? Like is that just individual? >> Are you talking about the board members? >> It is sent the link is sent via email to individual member board directors. So you should have it in your email. >> Okay. >> But let me know if you don't >> because I do know in the past if we do have consensus and are hot on a topic that we do want to put some weight behind. We have also worked with other school districts to go to the you know when we're advocating and you know provide power. So if something arises that we want to discuss amongst ourselves we can also reach out. >> Mr. Stern, you can see if there's anybody that wants to get behind your
130cursive writing. So >> I was going to say I can take an action item to ask at the next legislative council if there's anything in the Delaware County area. >> I would have said the online state testing but >> the online state testing I know is a challenge as well. Yeah. and the cyber charter cost. >> That's a good idea. Great. >> Um, can I make a community announcement? This is, I think, where we're all supposed to weigh in about other things. Um, and this one actually isn't so much a community announcement as a request. People may have seen me on my cell phone and it looks like I'm not paying attention, but I'm actually have been communicating with Miss Rosen Bloom. We had a technical difficulty in the beginning of her comments were missed
131and she didn't realize what we missed until afterwards. So, she asked me to make sure and I'm not I'm struggling a little with her handwriting and I apologize. It's beautiful handwriting, but um it's small on my screen. It's beautiful cursive um which I am capable of reading, but I'm not but it's her notes, so I'm not going to try and read it and put it into sentences. What she wanted to make sure people knew was that at the opening of the facilities committee when we got our um general update that Mr. Morrison did give us um a a significant update about what we're doing to make sure that we manage air quality in the building. Um, you know, it's certainly important to facilities committee, I assume, to the whole board and the rest of the
132building or the rest of the administration that we take care of the health of our students and our staff during the um construction. I know that was something, you know, was talked about a lot and Miss Stern brought it up a lot uh early on in the planning and the considerations of building right next to the building. Um but that um if you go back and watch that session which I believe was May 12th, Tuesday, um you can hear um Mr. Morris's description of that and I'm sure we will hear about it in future facilities meetings as well. Um the the facilities team is taking that very seriously as will the committee. >> Thank you. Now on to board announcements. Um, Tuesday, June 2nd, we will have a curriculum committee meeting at 5:00 p.m., policy
133at 7, and facilities at 7:30. On Tuesday, June 9th, I cannot believe this, we will have our last regular business meeting of the school year. So, and then commencement of course is on the 10th. Um, any other public comment? Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So, moved. >> Second. Second. Okay.